Hamas is believed to be holding more than 200 hostages, taken when its fighters surged into Israel on October 7. A statement by the Prime Minister's Office said 50 women and children will be released over four days, during which there will be a pause in fighting.

The World Health Organization said on Tuesday that it is planning to evacuate three hospitals in Gaza. The three hospitals – Al Shifa, the Indonesian Hospital, and Al Ahli Hospital, have come under bombardment in the escalating Israel-Hamas conflict.